Dear Families,

It has been wonderful to be able to get back to school assemblies and prayer celebrations, even if we have not been able to invite families to them yet. The students have been doing a wonderful job of sharing a little of what they have been doing in class with the rest of the school as well as providing some light entertainment. In Week 2, the Year 5s recounted their favourite moments about their recent camp. While last Friday the Year 2s impressed everyone with their skills in 3-digit addition and counting by 9s. Yesterday, Year 6 led the school in a reverent Prayer Liturgy to mark the Feast of the Assumption. During this term we are trying to return to normal school life as much as possible, while still staying within the rules and restrictions as set by Catholic Education. Parents are still more than welcome to come onto school grounds and we would love to see the families of award winners in particular every second Friday.

Staffing

I am pleased to announce that Mrs Rachel Hind will be joining our staff from Week 8. Rachel will replace Mrs Krystle Burnett in the Library. Shes come with a wealth of experience and knowledge and we are looking forward to her bringing her ideas and enthusiasm to the role. This week is Mrs Burnett’s last week with us, we will miss her and wish her well.

This week, I have also been able to offer Miss Samantha Pigram a permanent contract with the school. Sam has worked with us in a variety of roles throughout the school, most recently as a Year 5 teacher. This is wonderful news to Miss Pigram and for STA. We also welcome Ms Brittaney Ford to our staff. Ms Ford completed her final year practicum with Year 1 last term and will works across the school a few days each week

Take care and God bless

Yours in Faith

Leah Taylor
Principal

Note from Mr Ross Fox, Director CECG

Acknowledging the unprecedented situation we face, and following consultation, I have authorised two additional pupil free days in Term 3. The timing of these days for ACT schools will align with times set by the ACT Education Directorate – Friday in Week 3 and Friday in Week 8. NSW schools will set dates for these these pupil free days in consultation with nearby schools. I hope this additional time will assist teachers and staff in term 3.

In accordance with the abovementioned and in line wth all ACT Schools, we note that the two additional pupil free days for Term 3 are:

• Week 3, Friday 5th August 2022 
• Week 8, Friday 9th September 2022

We, again, thank our community for supporting and working with us to enable our school to hopefully remain appropriately staffed and open and our amazing learning to continue. 

Kindergarten, Year 1 & Year 2 will be attending Swim & Survive in Week 6 with the Royal Life Saving at CISAC Belconnen. Permission notes were provided through the Compass parent portal however copies can be collected from the front office if required. Please click on the links below to access registration information.

• Kindergarten
• Year 1
• Year 2

Please note that registerations must be completed by midnight Thursday 18th August 2022 in order for your child to attend. There is no opportunity to accept registrations after this date. We would appreciate it if you would kindly advise the front office on office.staquinas@cg.catholic.edu.au if your child will not be attending the lessons by 3pm Wednesday 17 August 2022.

This term, seven of our Year 5 and 6 students will be participating in the Tournament of Minds (TOM).  This competition relies on the students solving a Long Term Challenge and then completing a Spontaneous Challenge on the Day.  The enthusiastic team have chosen the STEM Long Term Challenge which is testing their creative and problem-solving thinking skills.  Already they have had some great brainstorming sessions, drawn up plans, made props and made a good start on their scenario script.  Well done and good luck team! 

Congratulations to all our students who enjoyed and had a go in this year's Cross Country.

All Cross Country ribbons will be awarded during the assembly on Friday 19th August 2022 at 9am in the Courtyard. Families are welcome to join us in celebrating our recipients by attending the assembly (weather permitting).

We look forward to seeing some amazing work presented by Year 4 when they host the next assembly on Friday 12 August 2022. Sadly, we are unable to welcome families to the assembly, in accordance with the COVID Management Plan but we hope that families will have discussions surrounding their child’s involvement in their assemblies.

Coming up in week 8...........Year 2! 

Parenting is often shared by grandparents, relatives, friends and those who care for children. To shape and influence a child’s life is one of the most important things one can do. Parentline ACT offers services to enchance the development and emotional wellbeing of children by supporting parents and carers. Support can be given through telephone and face to face counselling and education. For further information please visit the Parentline website

Vinnies volunteers needed

Can you spare a few hours per month to help local people in need?

The STA St Vincent de Paul Conference is seeking new volunteers to help on weekday afternoons and after work. 

We respond to requests for assistance in several ways, such as having a friendly chat, providing vouchers for food and clothing, and providing advice and referrals.

We work in pairs and training is provided.

For more information on volunteering, please phone Bill on 0431 195 442. 

Anyone needing assistance from Vinnies should phone 02 6282 2722. 

CANTEEN

The Canteen is open from Wednesdays to Fridays - for the first 10 minutes of each break.  We sell a limited selection of healthy canteen approved chips and ice blocks.

SUBWAY

Parents and staff are able to place Subway Orders Online.  Click on the link below to place an order and payment as well. 

Cut-off time is 9:15 AM for same day delivery.
Call on 02 6259 9101 to place your order after this time

Subway Lunch Orders can also be made, via Subway Envelope, at school.  Subway envelopes, including cash, need to be placed in the Lunch Order Subway box, located outside the Front Office,  by 9:30am on the day before the lunch is required.  For example, if you would like a lunch order on Wednesday, the lunch order needs to be manually submitted by Tuesday 9:30am.

Here is a sample of the Subway ordering envelope.  Envelopes are available from the Front Office or the classroom.

August 2022

Samuel B, Mason M, Oscar C, Joshua L-B, Ari U, Frederick N, Matilda P, Blayde O,
Liam B, Sophia H, Zoey M, Eleni M, Tyler E, Lachlan B, Summer P, Michael P, Vrishab G, Ashea K, Erin H, Adeline B